UK’s first contrast therapy club, ARC, opens, as burnt-out Brits search for communal wellness – 31.01.25

Chris Miller, ex- Soho House Director, and Alanna Kit, founder Facilitator of ‘Othership announce today the launch of an innovative health and wellness concept: ARC — the UK’s first communal contrast therapy site.

Arc will open its doors in January in Canary Wharf, with a second site planned for Marylebone later this year. 

Miller, the founder of hospitality incubator White Rabbit Projects, which he has grown to 65 restaurants and over 1,000 employees, is no stranger to creating innovative, customer-focused concepts. In his debut wellness project, he has partnered with Alanna Kit, a neuroscientist and holistic health expert with extensive experience as a sauna master and instructor in breathwork, meditation, and yoga.  Miller and Kit are partnering to bring a first of its kind wellness experience to Londoners. 

Leanne Catterall, Director of Retail & Leasing at CWG said, “The launch of this pioneering concept, blending hot and cold therapy, reflects the growing demand for experiential destinations that support health and wellbeing and is a fantastic addition to Canary Wharf. ARC’s decision to bring this UK first therapy site to the Wharf is testament to our appeal as a vibrant, dynamic urban hub and innovative location offering a diverse range of experiences and activities to all those who work, visit, and live in the neighbourhood.” 

Boasting the UK’s largest sauna, the class-based wellness concept features three key elements: sauna, ice baths, and a communal space.  Contrast therapy is a practice that involves alternating between extreme hot and cold temperatures, with proven benefits including increased energy, dopamine hits, improved mood and focus, accelerated metabolism, athletic recovery, a boosted immune system, and improved sleep quality.      

For many Brits, embracing blue spaces, open water swimming, and cold showers are considered part of their routine.  However, ARC will combine contrast therapy with diverse programming, including breathwork, meditation, fascial mobility manoeuvres, and stretching, in a 5,000-square ft space. In addition to the practical elements of the work, which are widespread and proven, Miller and Kit hope to provide a communal space for people to connect more deeply with themselves and others. Reports indicate that young people are rejecting alcohol and bars in large numbers, and, instead, opting for different IRL ways to socialise, with phrases such as ‘sober curious’ creeping into the vocabulary. The site will offer a social space where attendees are encouraged to interact with one another through the curated programme.  Miller notes that the rise in run clubs in the UK suggests that activity and socialising are more aligned than ever. 

Guided classes will include ‘Morning Warrior’ and ‘Dopamine Reset’ and evening socials will feature DJs as part of the experience. Multiple membership options are available, including a limited-time introductory offer, costing just £15 per session for the first three sessions.  

Although there are numerous benefits proven as a result of contrast therapy, for many Londoners, mental clarity, stress reduction, and motivation are a key draw.  ARC will offer visitors access to a 65-person sauna with heat up to 88°C and traditional European sauna practices, such as aromatic snowballs and steam. The custom-designed Ice Baths from Brass Monkey will be kept between 1 and 5°C, with sheets of ice in the water. 

Contrast therapy is proven to increase prolactin, which helps the brain function faster and repair damaged neurons. It also encourages the growth of new neurological connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. The practice triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood elevators. It also increases norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that improves attention and focus, as well as boosts and restores long-lasting dopamine levels by 250% after one session, further enhancing mood, resilience to stress, and overall energy. The therapy can build resilience and growth by challenging the body and mind through a sense of healthy discomfort, whilst helping to stabilise the autonomic nervous system, which controls body functions like heart rate and digestion.     

To join the community, visit https://www.arc-community.com/ or follow @arccommunity_